ATC School

Non-prior service students, cross trainees, and Combat Controllers learn air traffic control fundamentals. Instruction includes an orientation into air traffic control and basic flight rules, VFR tower, radar approach control (RAPCON) procedures, and preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration's Control Tower Operator (CTO) examination. Training is accomplished using classroom lecture, tower and radar simulators.

Course Length: 72 academic days (approx. 4months). CCAF Credit: 24 sem hrs.

Block I

Air Traffic ControlFundamentals

Course Orientation
1 Hour

Control Tower Operator [CTO] Certification Program
1 Hour

ATC System Overview
2 Hours

Air space Classifications
4 Hours

ATC Publications
4 Hours

Air Navigational Aids [NAVAIDS]; Flight Information Pubs [FLIPS]
8 Hours

Flight Rules
8 Hours

Weather
16 Hours

Communication Procedures
8 Hours

Emergency Procedures
8 Hours

Special Flight Operations
6.5 Hours

Crew Resource Management [CRM]
3 Hours

Quality Air Force [QAF] Awareness
1 Hour

Written Test and Critique
1.5 Hours

9 Days

Block II

Control Tower Operations

Control Tower Procedures and Operations
192.5 Hours

Written Test and Critique
1.5 Hours

Performance Test and Critique
6 Hours

25 Days

Block III: Radar Approach Control Operations

Non-Radar Procedures and Operations
46.5 Hours

Written Test and Critique
1.5 Hours

Radar Approach Control [RAPCON] Procedures and Operations
230.5 Hours

Written Test and Critique
1.5 Hours

Performance Test and Critique
16 Hours

37 Days

Block IV: Control Tower Operator [CTO]Certification

Certification Knowledge Requirements
5 Hours

Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] Written Test
1.5 Hours

Course Critique and Graduation
1.5 Hours

1 Day